The Sri Lankan 13-member boxing team joining the ASBC Asian Elite Boxing Championships will have their sights set on Medals as the tournament is set to commence on the 30th of November and go on till the 12th of December 2024 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
This marks a pivotal moment for the nation as it strives to establish itself on the international boxing stage. However, the team faces stiff competition from Central Asian giants like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, as well as a resurgent Ukraine, all renowned for their boxing excellence.
>>13-Member Sri Lankan Boxing contingent ready for Asian Elite Boxing Championships<<
A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent
Sri Lanka’s medal aspirations rest on a balanced team of seasoned athletes and promising newcomers.
Women’s Team Highlights:
- Nadeeka Pushpakumari (48kg): A veteran with over a decade of international experience.
- Ishara Thushari Perera: A multiple-time national champion known for her resilience.
- Sanduni Priyadarshani: A debutant eager to make her mark on the global stage.
- Kasthuri Arachchige Keshani Hansika: Returning from surgery to claim victory at the Layton Cup, the 33-year-old brings determination and grit to the lineup.
Men’s Team Highlights:
- Hasitha Nuwan Jinadasa: The reigning Best Boxer at the Layton Cup, leading the men’s charge.
- Umayanga Mihiran: A rising star with a strong showing at the Paris Olympic qualifiers.
- Podi Arachchige Rukmal Prasanna: A seasoned competitor and Commonwealth Games quarter-finalist.
- Yazmin Muhammad Usaith: The youngest member at just 20 years old, with an impressive domestic track record in the middleweight division.
Challenges from Boxing Titans
Sri Lanka’s boxers must contend with powerhouse nations:
- Kazakhstan: Fielding world-class athletes like Sanzhar Tashkenbay (48kg), a double gold medalist at the 2023 World Championships and 2022 Asian Championships, and Olympic medalist Saken Bibossynov (51kg).
- Uzbekistan: Known for their disciplined training and Olympic legacy, featuring stars such as Bakhodir Jalolov in the super heavyweight division.
- Ukraine: A returning force with a formidable 25-member squad, including former world champion Maria Bova (66kg) and bronze medalist Anastasia Chernokolenko (70kg).
Preparation and Ambitions
Sri Lanka’s preparation included an intensive training camp at Panagoda Army Cantonment, focusing on sharpening skills and tactics. Under the leadership of Dr. Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara, the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka is aligning its efforts with long-term goals, such as the 2026 Commonwealth and Asian Games.
The team enters the championship with growing confidence, buoyed by recent successes like gold medal wins at the Seychelles Independence Day Cup. While podium finishes at this event will be challenging, the experience gained will be crucial in building a stronger future for Sri Lankan boxing.
The Significance of the ASBC Championships
The ASBC Championships, returning to Thailand—a nation with a rich history of hosting the event—will test Sri Lanka’s progress against Asia’s best. For Sri Lanka, this tournament is more than a competition; it is a stepping stone toward greater recognition in the boxing world.
A strong performance, particularly from standout athletes like Mihiran and Pushpakumari, could signal a turning point for the country’s aspirations in the sport. Regardless of the outcome, Sri Lanka’s participation in this prestigious event reflects its determination to climb the ranks in Asian and global boxing.
